6 Electrical Safety Tips For Kiwi Homeowners

DIY electrical work can go one of two ways: either people feel too nervous to attempt anything to do with electricity in their homes, or they’re overconfident in their ability to figure it out. While it’s probably better to fall on the cautious side of the spectrum, it is possible to find a middle ground.

The key? Awareness of the rules and regulations around DIY electrical work, the risks and safety procedures, and when to call in the professionals.

Here’s our guide to DIY rules and electrical safety in the home:

What electrical jobs can you DIY legally in New Zealand?

Under New Zealand law, homeowners are allowed to complete certain electrical jobs themselves. These include fixing light fittings, replacing light switches, moving some types of cables and sockets, and reconnecting permanently wired appliances.

However, we don’t recommend attempting any DIY electrical work unless you have some knowledge and experience. Take a look at Worksafe for a full list of permitted DIY jobs, along with safety tips and resources.

6 DIY electrical safety tips

If you’re thinking of doing some electrical work on your own, it’s important to follow basic safety precautions – you don’t want to injure yourself, damage your wiring, or accidentally cause a fire.

Here are six key safety tips for at-home electrical work:

1. Turn the power off first

The first and most important safety rule in electrical work: turn off the main power source before you do anything. This means opening your home’s switchboard or fuse box, locating the main switch, and flipping it to the ‘off’ position.

2. Test before you touch

Even if you think you’ve turned off the power, it’s essential to test before you make contact with any wires or power points. You can buy a non-contact voltage detector cheaply – it’s worthwhile as an added layer of protection from shock.

3. Wear protective gear

Protective gear reduces your risk of harm during electrical work, whether that means an electric shock or something as simple as dust getting into your eyes. At a minimum, it’s a good idea to wear insulated gloves, safety glasses and rubber-soled shoes.

4. Know your voltage

A task like installing a new dishwasher or light fitting might seem simple and low-risk – but it could be more complicated than it looks. Issues come in if a new appliance or light bulb requires more voltage than the old one, or if new wiring isn’t connected correctly. This can lead to malfunctioning appliances, flickering lights or even fire risk.

5. Avoid plumbing or gas lines

When you’re opening up a wall or removing a power point, you could come into contact with plumbing or gas lines. Avoid touching or moving these at all costs, as they can cause water damage, gas leaks, explosions and other serious issues. In some cases, metal pipes can inadvertently carry an electric charge, which means you risk a severe shock if you touch them.

6. Know when you need to contact a qualified electrician

Although some jobs can be done yourself, licensed electricians are the experts and are skilled in handling electricity safely. If something goes wrong or you feel unsure about any electrical job, contact an electrician for help.

When should you contact a qualified electrician?

Some scenarios call for an expert, including high-risk situations and complex work. Bring in an electrician if you’re planning to install new appliances or lights, add power points, or replace wiring.

Even more importantly, call an expert for help if you notice any of these danger signs:

● Burning smells

● Exposed or damaged wiring

● Electric shocks

● Flickering lights

● Unexplained higher electricity bills

● Circuit breaker trips

● Outlets not working

What is emergency electrical work?

Emergency electrical work refers to any situation where immediate action is needed. This could include dangerous situations – like burning outlets, sparking wires, or shocks – or electrical issues causing problems with appliances and lighting in your home. For example, if wiring in your kitchen fails, you will lose power to your oven and fridge, which makes day-to-day life difficult.

An electrical emergency isn’t the time for DIY – if you’re concerned, call a licensed electrician ASAP.

How do you select the right electrician for the job?

There are a few key factors to consider when choosing an electrician.

Look for a qualified electrician who is:

● Licensed

An electrician performing prescribed electrical work (PEW) in New Zealand must be licensed by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) on top of their qualifications. To check this, you can ask to see their license card, or look up the EWRB.

● Reliable

It can be hard to gauge trust over the phone or the internet, so do your research first. Ask for recommendations from friends, check reviews, and ensure you’re choosing a reputable electrician who is trusted by other Kiwis.

● Experienced

Make sure you find an electrician who has real-world experience in the type of work you’re looking for, along with licensing and qualifications.

Electrical safety FAQs

Here are the answers to our most common electrical safety questions:

What electrical work can be performed without a license in New Zealand?

There are some electrical jobs that you can legally DIY in New Zealand, including light fitting repairs, switch and socket replacement, and disconnecting or reconnecting permanently wired appliances. Check out Worksafe for the full list.

Can homeowners install their own ovens and cooktops?

Homeowners can install a new oven or cooktop, but only if the new appliance will be plugged into an existing outlet. If the new stove or cooktop needs to be wired in or requires a change to your home electrical system, it should be done by a licensed electrician.

Do you need an electrician to change a plug socket?

Yes, you legally must have a qualified electrician to change a plug socket in New Zealand. This ensures the work is completed to a professional standard, without putting extra strain on your existing wiring. It also protects you – replacing a plug involves internal wiring and can be risky for non-experts.

Chat with a qualified electrician at Hines Electrical today

Whether you’re dealing with a flickering light, need a new power point, or want to install new appliances, it can be tempting to try your hand at some home electrical work – after all, how hard can it be? While there are some smaller jobs you can DIY, if you’re inexperienced or unsure about anything involving electrics, it’s always better to leave it to the professionals. You really don’t want your first foray into electrical work to end in fire, injury or worse.

That’s where Hines comes in. Our electricians are qualified, licensed and experienced – and we have the happy customers to prove it. We’re always ready to take on an emergency job, a home improvement, or to fix a DIY project gone wrong.

6 Essential Electrical Safety Tips & When To Call An Electrician | Hines Electrical Safety Tips